Old School Runescape Sailing Guide (1-99)
Old School RuneScape is an MMORPG based on a 2007 snapshot of the original RuneScape game. Developed by Jagex, the game lets players explore the fantasy world of Gielinor, complete quests, train skills, fight monsters, and interact with thousands of other players.
Sailing is the game's newest skill and marks the first major skill addition in years. This milestone update introduces maritime exploration, ship customization, and ocean-based activities that expand the traditional RuneScape experience significantly.
Training Sailing from level 1 to 99 requires understanding multiple mechanics. In this article, we'll provide a complete guide for training in sailing from level 1 to level 99, covering the most efficient methods, recommended routes, essential resources, and tips to help you reach mastery.
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Early Levels (1-30)
Complete the Pandemonium quest at Port Sarim docks by talking to Will or Anne. This unlocks Sailing and grants you a raft plus 300 experience, boosting you straight to level 4.
From levels 1-30, focus on courier tasks and sea charting. Courier tasks involve picking up cargo from notice boards at ports and delivering it to other locations. Sea charting provides one-time experience rewards by discovering landmarks across the ocean.
Follow this route for the fastest early experience:
Complete sea charting tasks around The Pandemonium, Wizards' Tower, and Draynor Village
Run courier tasks between Port Sarim, The Pandemonium, and Musa Point
At level 12, complete the Prying Times quest for additional experience and unlock more charting options
Continue courier tasks between Catherby, Brimhaven, Piscarilius, and Rellekka until level 30
At level 15, upgrade from your raft to a skiff and install a salvaging hook. Shipwreck salvaging becomes available as an AFK alternative, though experience rates are lower than courier tasks at these levels.
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Barracuda Trials (30-99)
Barracuda Trials are timed races that provide the fastest Sailing experience in the game. You'll progress through three different trials as you level, each with three difficulty tiers: Swordfish, Shark, and Marlin.
Tempor Tantrum (Level 30-55): Located south of The Pandemonium. Start with the Swordfish tier to learn the course layout, then progress to Shark and Marlin as your skill improves. Expect 30,000-40,000 experience per hour.
Jubbly Jive (Level 55-73): Found near Port Khazard. This trial requires better ship upgrades and navigation skills. Build a windcatcher facility on your boat before attempting the Marlin tier. Experience rates reach 80,000-90,000 per hour.
Gwenith Glide (Level 73-99): Located near Prifddinas and requires completion of the Regicide quest. This trial involves collecting lost cargo and activating crystals through portals. Manage wind node charges carefully to maintain speed throughout the course. The Marlin tier provides 180,000+ experience per hour and remains the fastest method all the way to level 99.
Upgrade your ship regularly with better hulls, keels, masts, and sails between trials. Higher-tier materials directly increase your experience gains and make achieving competitive times easier.
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Final Words
Sailing offers multiple training paths depending on your playstyle. Barracuda Trials provide the fastest route to level 99 at 70-80 hours total, while shipwreck salvaging delivers a more relaxed AFK alternative at roughly 160 hours. Mix courier tasks, sea charting, and bounty hunts to break up the grind and earn additional rewards along the way.
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